Delia's Happy Christmas
Ranked #23,456 in Food & Cooking, #453,749 overall
Reviews
I think this book is a great acquisition. Unlike some of the other humbug-ish reviewers here, I relish the chance to try some new Delia Christmas recipes, and I think they are totally characteristic of her excellent style. (One reviewer complains many of the recipes here appeared in a WHSmith Xmas special Delia did in 2003 and 2004 but for those of us who don't have copies handy, most of what's in this book will be new.)
Plenty of things have changed in the two decades since the first book was published and the hundred new recipes in this book reflect that. For example, people eat a lot less meat. Out of eleven recipes in the vegetarian section, only three come from the 1990 book. A new watercress soup, a vegetable pie, a different cheese terrine, a macadamia and pistachio nutroast. These are just one example.
The sections with the most duplication are the classic sections like Christmas cakes and puddings and the preserves, which is sort of understandable as it is difficult to think up innovation there. But even in cakes modern life has arrived - the Dundee cake recipe has disappeared, and there are two delicious sounding recipes using Panettone, the Italian Christmas cake now widely available in supermarkets.
Lists of suppliers have been updated, as have menu suggestions now stretching to every meal from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day. There's also a lot more party food, and more choices of main course for those whose palates are too posh for turkey - including a slow braised belly pork recipe which should also please credit crunchers. And for those Scots who had been feeling a bit neglected, a new Hogmanay section gives a Scots trifle, a crab soup and a Haggis pie recipe for Hogmanay.
If I have any criticisms of this book its that in such a lush book, with high production values, there isn't a picture of every dish! Which is especially mental when it comes to puddings, which you NEED to see pictures of! No photo of the Chocolate Chestnut log so you can work out how to create the bark effect?? Come on!
But apart from that, the more time I've spent flicking through the book the more I'm surprised at the negative reactions of some Amazon readers. I will not be able to get rid of the old Christmas book as how would I manage without its recipes, the ones not reprinted here, such as Roast Ham with mustard and demerara crust, and Port Wine Jelly?? But this new book is great, really inspiring, and makes me look forward to Christmas even more than I already was. By Emma who reads a lot
Joy to the World. I was really looking forward to my new Delia Happy Christmas book and it doesnt disappoint. I have the original Christmas book too so was probably wondering at first, like others, would this be much different? Well Delia has really managed to ring the changes with this one, and it has brought us right up to date. It looks very elegant, very cool, calm and collected. This is one book to have with you before, during and probably after Christmas too, so many excellent entertaining recipes and ideas. New and old recipes, classic favourites and new twists all in one place. Lots of hints and preparation tips which will be particularly handy for the generation that Delia refers to, who havent cooked Christmas dinner before (and still a good reminder to those of us who have, many times!). I love the armchair shopping section too - if like me, you like to shop online, lots of great sites for your Christmas essentials.
Christmas just isnt Christmas without some of Delia's mums sausage rolls, hot from the oven, so do yourself a favour and make up a batch soon, grab a pad and pen and relax and plan your festivities. Cheers! By Gravy Queen
Delia's Happy Christmas
Delia's Happy Christmas
Amazon Price: $27.89 (as of 05/30/2012)
“Christmas lasts for eight days, so the provident cook needs to have a set menu ready for 40 meals.”
The Perfect Festive Party - Delia Smith's Christmas
Rate it, if you dare...
The best line ever:
Organisation is the key to success.
Homemade Chocolate Truffle - Delia Smith's Christmas
All in one Sponge cake - Delia Smith
More books by Delia Smith
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What's the buzz about Delia Smith?
- 'Call me the Delia Smith of design'
- On the starnow site, which calls itself the 'UK's No.1 talent website,' he pitches an idea for a show in which he would 'make a series showing people how, where and why to start in designing their living space' ? calling himself the 'Delia Smith of ...
- I fell for Delia, but didn't learn a thing
- A DAD'S LIFE: CONFESSION TIME. Delia Smith was my first crush. I'd sit in front of the telly as a small boy and take in everything about the perfect Yorkshire pudding and how best to roast a goose, but all the time I'd be gurning loonily at Delia.
- WRECKING PAUL ... Lambo stunned Canaries
- It is the second time in 18 months that Norwich, backed by TV cook Delia Smith, have refused to give their manager permission to speak to a rival club. In January 2011, they turned down Burnley's request to approach Lambert following the dismissal of ...
- Cromer Crab company to close leaving more than a hundred redundant
- Seven thousand people including Stephen Fry and Delia Smith, had signed a petition to keep the company in the county. The news comes just days after the Sheringham and Cromer Crab Festival that celebrates the importance of the industry in the town.
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